I know you members who don't live in or around Houston, Texas, don't have a feel for the pricing of automotive repairs in this area, but here's my question: if you had to replace the rear main seal in a Ford pickup, would you take it to an independent repair shop, or a Ford dealer (after checking price estimates of course). I have a 2003 F-150 with the 4.2 V6 and auto transmission and have determined that if I ever want a clean driveway, that I'm going to have to have the seal replaced.

I would get quotes from both and discuss what was involved. You might also see what an automatic transmission shop might be able to do. I would avoid any dealership that is owned by a national firm, and deal only with a locally owned dealership.

You need to have a good feeling in your gut about the folks you choose.

My guess is that its pretty straight forward: Remove the driveline, transmission and flywheel and you should have access. I would think that a dealer would charge 4 hours labor plus parts or about $450-500.

Matthew, You're right. It would make the job cheaper and simpler if the seal Ed shows is inserted as he says, but I'm like you. How do you get it over the crankshaft flywheel flange? (or am I completely stupid?)

Terry: If you have it done by a local guy only he will warranty the work. Any Ford dealer will warranty it if done by a Ford dealer. But, it is not that bad a job if it just the seal. Seals do not go bad for no reason. What made the seal go out? Miles on the truck? I had one leaking on a 83 bird, pulled the engine and while it was out did mains, rods and new oil pump. went another 175k. Dan.

It all boils down to the guy actually doing the job whether its at an independent shop or a dealer. Thats been my expeirence. Even though there may be a warrenty make sure to read all the details so you can hold them to it.

The transmission has to come out (much easier than the engine), If it is a four wheel drive that makes it a little more work. If you know a really reputable independent, I think that would be the way to go.

I have the same kind of pickup and same year. Same engine too. Mine doesn't leak. How many miles do you have on yours? I would like to have an idea of how much longer I have before mine starts leaking?

One thing you could do is park it with your Model T's. Then you would not know which one was leaking! Norm

It is leaking enough to leave a puddle stain, probably 18" or so on my driveway, but really just a stain. I really haven't noticed any standing oil puddle, but this week I had a mechanic put it on his lift and check it and he said there's definitely an oil leak there. I am going to try some seal rejuvenator that is guaranteed 100% or a full refund of my purchase price by the maker, and see if that stops it. My truck is a 2 wheel drive with over 130,000 miles but less than 135,000. I don't remember the exact mileage.

By the way, thanks for the pictures, Ed, and thanks to everyone else who answered. Jack D., I hesitate to trade it for a Chevy. I have never been in a wreck in a Ford pickup, but was in two wrecks (not at fault) that totalled both of the last two Chevys that I've owned.

An excellent suggestion Bob. A crudded up PCV and perhaps a bit of blow-by and that Texas T will find a way out with a bit of pressure behind it. The only thing that really bothers me about this is the condition of the crank's sealing surface. Years back with transmission converter main seal leaks we ended up replacing the converter along with the seal about 50% of the time because the converter's sealing surface was NG too. As to the "flanged" cranks: they used a seal similar to the T's front seal. Rope-like material pulled through and cut off to size and you'd better know what you're doing too.

I bought a Haynes manual today and they show the seal and talk about possible causes. They do recommend testing the PCV valve and replacing if necessary. I see how the seal works, now. It seals around the outside of the flywheel or T.C flange, not the surface where the rear main bearing rides, like older cars. Man, that is a large diameter seal. I would have never imagined.

The seal goes on the flange. Most cars are that way since about 40 years ago. Including VW bug, Toyota, MGB. Chevrolet Nissan, Honda, Ford, you name it. Take it to an independant transmission shop. The biggest part is trans removal and re-installation. They do that work all day and usually are not paying a journeyman to do the work. Ask them to also replace the front transmission seal too. Even the rear trans seal while the driveshaft is out.

Terry, I am a shop owner with 30 years experience as a mechanic. I can tell you that this is not my favorite kind of repair, because of the success rate. There are many reasons for a rear main crank seal to leak, one of which is excessive bearing clearance. Bearing clearance is a two-fold problem. As the clearance increases, crank movement and oil flow both increase, making the seal's job more difficult. I am not saying it is an impossible job. My point is to take it to someone with experience, don't price shop.

Ed, I bought the truck, used with about 134K or 135K on it, It now has a little over 136K on it. I don't know what kind of care it had by the first owner, but if the physical appearance is any indicator, it was well cared for. The PCV does appear to be plugged, so I'm going to try that tomorrow.